When was Thanksgiving officially a holiday? This question delves into the historical significance of Thanksgiving, a holiday celebrated annually in the United States and Canada. Understanding the origins of this festive occasion provides insight into the cultural and social values that shape our society today.
Thanksgiving has its roots in the early 17th century when European settlers in North America sought to express gratitude for the harvest and the survival of their first winter in the New World. The first recorded Thanksgiving celebration took place in 1621, when the Pilgrims of the Plymouth Colony in what is now Massachusetts shared a feast with the Wampanoag Native Americans. However, this event was not officially declared a national holiday.
The idea of a national Thanksgiving holiday gained traction in the 19th century, primarily through the efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, a writer and magazine editor. Hale believed that a national day of thanksgiving would foster national unity and gratitude. She lobbied for a national Thanksgiving holiday for decades, publishing articles and letters in newspapers and magazines advocating for its establishment.
Finally, in 1863, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring Thanksgiving a national holiday to be celebrated on the final Thursday in November. This proclamation was a response to Hale’s relentless advocacy and the nation’s need for unity during a time of crisis. The first national Thanksgiving under Lincoln’s proclamation was celebrated in 1863.
Since then, Thanksgiving has remained a fixed holiday on the fourth Thursday of November, as established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941. Roosevelt moved the holiday to the third Thursday of November to provide retailers with an extra week of shopping time, but the tradition of celebrating on the fourth Thursday was later restored.
In conclusion, Thanksgiving was officially declared a national holiday in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln, following years of advocacy by Sarah Josepha Hale. This holiday has since become a symbol of gratitude, family, and togetherness, celebrated by millions across the United States and Canada.
